Firearms Examiner I

Harris County•Houston, TX

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is seeking a Firearms Examiner I to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services. The vision of the institute is to provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community, create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings, and establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

Requirements

A Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry or a related natural science (e.g. Biology, Physics).
Must have completed a 3-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college level statistics course from an accredited university or program approved by the Texas Forensic Science Commission.
Successful completion of a training program equivalent to the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiner’s (AFTE) Training Manual in addition to requisite proficiency in microscopic examinations, or the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms National Firearms and Toolmark Examiner Academy (NFEA) supplemented by sufficient comparative microscopy experience, or training of similar structure at another laboratory.
Forensic Analyst Licensure by the Texas Forensic Science Commission will be required; licensure must be maintained for the duration of the employment.
Must comply with State of Texas Forensic Science Commission licensure requirements within one year of hire.
Maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Must have capable eyesight to evaluate test fired bullets and cartridge cases.
Must pass a criminal background check and drug/ alcohol screening (prior to and randomly after employment).
Good communication skills for frequent testimony and participation in accreditation reviews and symposia/seminars.
Ability to understand and use statistics as they apply or will apply to firearms examinations and comparisons.
Computer literacy in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with accreditation standards and requirements of ANSI - ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) program and ISO 17025:2017 is required.
AFTE certification in Firearms Examination is strongly preferred.
AFTE certification must be obtained within one (1) year of eligibility and must comply with State of Texas Forensic Science Commission licensure requirements.

Responsibilities

Inventories, documents, evaluates and tests fires various types of firearms.
Evaluates and microscopically examines fired evidence components.
Conducts serial number restoration of firearms.
Performs distance determination cases.
Issues reports reflecting the results of the examination.
Performs moderately complex and complex analysis of submitted firearms and firearms-related evidence that may include hazardous biological and chemical substances.
Conducts technical and administrative reviews of casework to ensure compliance with laboratory procedures and accreditation standards.
Provides expert testimony in the discipline of Firearms Identification.
Reviews NIBIN correlations.
Provides technical assistance to law enforcement and attorneys.
Trains new employees.
Develops and validates new test methods and instrumentation.
Provides technical assistance to police officers, the District Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement personnel.
Completes training program to become authorized to access the IBIS/ NIBIN network.
Safely test fires all types of firearms on a routine basis.